A popular travel content creator has sparked a major online conversation after sharing a deeply upsetting video that highlights the severe littering problem at one of Kerala's most iconic coastal destinations, Varkala Beach. The viral clip, posted by vlogger Sachin K Dhir, shows the picturesque shoreline and cliff area marred by piles of garbage, prompting outrage and concern among netizens.
‘Shameful’ Sight at Scenic Destination
In the video shared on his Instagram handle @sachinontrip, Sachin K Dhir documented his visit to Varkala, expressing profound disappointment at the condition he encountered. The footage clearly shows plastic bottles, food wrappers, packets, and beer cans scattered indiscriminately across the sand, contradicting the beach's reputation for natural beauty.
Dhir did not mince words, describing the scene as "shameful" and "pathetic." He voiced his shock, stating he was "definitely not expecting to see this much trash on the beach and along the cliff." The vlogger pointedly questioned the civic sense of visitors, asking, "What is wrong with us?" and emphasized that such behavior ultimately destroys nature.
Nightfall Brings Worse Conditions
Adding to the concerning narrative, Dhir highlighted that the situation deteriorates significantly after dark. He specifically noted that the iconic Varkala cliff area becomes heavily littered at night, suggesting that the problem is exacerbated by evening crowds or a lack of nighttime cleanup protocols.
Through his video, Dhir issued a direct appeal to the authorities, urging them to intervene and ask tourists to stop throwing trash carelessly. He explained his motivation for posting such content, saying he aims to call out "horrible behaviour" and make people accountable, as visitors come to such spots to relax and appreciate nature, not to navigate through waste.
Public Echoes Disappointment, Points to Over-Tourism
The video rapidly gained traction online, drawing a wave of reactions from concerned citizens and former visitors. Many users echoed Dhir's sentiments, sharing their own experiences and pinning the blame on irresponsible tourism.
One user, claiming to be a 65-year-old native of Varkala, lamented, "these beaches were clean and pristine earlier. Now the tourists, especially Indian tourists, are destroying this place." Another frequent visitor commented on the drastic change over the last five years, attributing the decline to "over tourism, especially from domestic tourists."
Some comments also offered solutions, with a user drawing a comparison to Japan, where public trash bins are often scarce, and citizens typically carry their waste home for disposal. This contrast underscored the ongoing debate about civic responsibility and waste management practices in popular Indian tourist spots.
The incident at Varkala Beach underscores a persistent challenge facing many of India's natural tourist attractions: balancing accessibility and popularity with sustainability and maintenance. While the video showcases a disappointing reality, it has successfully reignited a crucial conversation about environmental stewardship and the role of both tourists and local administrations in preserving the country's ecological treasures.
